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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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Governors on both coasts said they would coordinate with nearby states on when and how to ease restrictions.Governors on both coasts said they would coordinate with nearby states on when and how to ease restrictions.
The Census Bureau said it would ask Congress for a four-month delay in delivering population data.The Census Bureau said it would ask Congress for a four-month delay in delivering population data.
The White House said President Trump had no intention of firing Dr. Anthony Fauci, despite the president’s retweet of a message that said, “Time to #FireFauci.”The White House said President Trump had no intention of firing Dr. Anthony Fauci, despite the president’s retweet of a message that said, “Time to #FireFauci.”
Read the latest news on the virus: World | U.S. | New York | BusinessRead the latest news on the virus: World | U.S. | New York | Business
Everyone is aching for all of this to be over — the sickness and the loss and the grief, of course, but also the hardships and the restrictions of life in limbo. And there are some hopeful signs that the coronavirus pandemic is leveling off in some areas — including in New York, where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday that “the worst is over.”Everyone is aching for all of this to be over — the sickness and the loss and the grief, of course, but also the hardships and the restrictions of life in limbo. And there are some hopeful signs that the coronavirus pandemic is leveling off in some areas — including in New York, where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday that “the worst is over.”
Policymakers now face the challenge of threading the needle between two major dangers: Reopen too slowly, and you risk deepening economic, social and political wounds; reopen too soon, and you risk giving the virus a new lease on death.Policymakers now face the challenge of threading the needle between two major dangers: Reopen too slowly, and you risk deepening economic, social and political wounds; reopen too soon, and you risk giving the virus a new lease on death.
President Trump has insisted that the decision is his and that he will soon issue a federal plan, but governors aren’t waiting. Groups of states on both coasts said on Monday that they would work together to reopen their regions gradually as it becomes safe to do so.President Trump has insisted that the decision is his and that he will soon issue a federal plan, but governors aren’t waiting. Groups of states on both coasts said on Monday that they would work together to reopen their regions gradually as it becomes safe to do so.
The East Coast group comprises New York and New Jersey, the two hardest-hit states, and Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The West Coast group is made up of the states that first reported coronavirus cases — Washington and California — along with Oregon.The East Coast group comprises New York and New Jersey, the two hardest-hit states, and Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The West Coast group is made up of the states that first reported coronavirus cases — Washington and California — along with Oregon.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said he was working with the White House on a staggered approach for his state, letting businesses with the least potential to spread the coronavirus open first. He promised details later in the week.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said he was working with the White House on a staggered approach for his state, letting businesses with the least potential to spread the coronavirus open first. He promised details later in the week.
Tentative steps in Europe: The crisis seems to be subsiding in some countries, giving officials an opening to begin easing restrictions, though many argue that such moves are premature.Tentative steps in Europe: The crisis seems to be subsiding in some countries, giving officials an opening to begin easing restrictions, though many argue that such moves are premature.
Italy, the center of the pandemic last month, will allow some businesses to reopen on Tuesday, though broader restrictions will remain in effect until at least May 3. Spain is letting some construction workers and others in certain provinces return to work this week.Italy, the center of the pandemic last month, will allow some businesses to reopen on Tuesday, though broader restrictions will remain in effect until at least May 3. Spain is letting some construction workers and others in certain provinces return to work this week.
In France, however, President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that strict limits would stay in place until at least May 11. “The epidemic is not yet under control,” he said in a televised address.In France, however, President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that strict limits would stay in place until at least May 11. “The epidemic is not yet under control,” he said in a televised address.
Cautionary tale: In Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, officials acted early, declaring an emergency and calling for social distancing on Feb. 28, and by mid-March the strategy seemed to be working to halt the outbreak. So they lifted the emergency and began to gradually reopen. It was too soon: A second wave of infections swiftly erupted, and, on Sunday, Hokkaido reimposed the emergency order.Cautionary tale: In Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, officials acted early, declaring an emergency and calling for social distancing on Feb. 28, and by mid-March the strategy seemed to be working to halt the outbreak. So they lifted the emergency and began to gradually reopen. It was too soon: A second wave of infections swiftly erupted, and, on Sunday, Hokkaido reimposed the emergency order.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
The U.S. now has its first large wave of people who have recovered from the coronavirus — and thus may be immune to reinfection, at least for a while. That has freed them to go back to doing things that most of the nation must still avoid.The U.S. now has its first large wave of people who have recovered from the coronavirus — and thus may be immune to reinfection, at least for a while. That has freed them to go back to doing things that most of the nation must still avoid.
Their freedom takes different forms, like socializing with friends who have also had the virus and flying to a distant state to visit parents. Recovered health care workers are able to fill in for colleagues who are still at risk of infection or have fallen ill. Many recovered patients are eager to donate blood to aid research on antibody treatments.Their freedom takes different forms, like socializing with friends who have also had the virus and flying to a distant state to visit parents. Recovered health care workers are able to fill in for colleagues who are still at risk of infection or have fallen ill. Many recovered patients are eager to donate blood to aid research on antibody treatments.
But it’s still not clear how safe they are. There’s no reliable test for immunity, and if coronavirus patients do have some, no one knows yet how long it lasts. Testing shortages are preventing some recovered patients from confirming that they are virus-free.But it’s still not clear how safe they are. There’s no reliable test for immunity, and if coronavirus patients do have some, no one knows yet how long it lasts. Testing shortages are preventing some recovered patients from confirming that they are virus-free.
Recovery is a long process, and more complicated than most people realize, Fiona Lowenstein, who was hospitalized with the virus and has since created an online support group, writes in an Op-Ed.Recovery is a long process, and more complicated than most people realize, Fiona Lowenstein, who was hospitalized with the virus and has since created an online support group, writes in an Op-Ed.
Besides physical symptoms that can cycle on and off, she said, many patients have experienced severe anxiety, depression and other problems.Besides physical symptoms that can cycle on and off, she said, many patients have experienced severe anxiety, depression and other problems.
Dr. Ryan Padgett, a 45-year-old emergency-room doctor in Seattle, is recovering after the coronavirus nearly killed him last month. His case was so severe that he was put into a medically induced coma. It took teams of doctors at two hospitals to pull him back from the brink.Dr. Ryan Padgett, a 45-year-old emergency-room doctor in Seattle, is recovering after the coronavirus nearly killed him last month. His case was so severe that he was put into a medically induced coma. It took teams of doctors at two hospitals to pull him back from the brink.
Though he is improving, he faces two to three months of physical and occupational therapy, and he is worried about whether he will fully regain cognitive function.Though he is improving, he faces two to three months of physical and occupational therapy, and he is worried about whether he will fully regain cognitive function.
States have scrambled to ramp up coronavirus testing, but in New Jersey, the backlog of testing has been getting worse, not better.States have scrambled to ramp up coronavirus testing, but in New Jersey, the backlog of testing has been getting worse, not better.
Sick residents are parking their cars overnight in mile-long lines outside some testing sites in hopes of being tested before the day’s supplies run out. And then they wait days for the results.Sick residents are parking their cars overnight in mile-long lines outside some testing sites in hopes of being tested before the day’s supplies run out. And then they wait days for the results.
To understand the holdup, Rukmini Callimachi, a Times correspondent, followed a nasal swab’s bottleneck-plagued journey from the nose of a New Jersey patient to a private laboratory.To understand the holdup, Rukmini Callimachi, a Times correspondent, followed a nasal swab’s bottleneck-plagued journey from the nose of a New Jersey patient to a private laboratory.
“It’s a system overload at every point,” she said. “There’s not enough testing kits. There’s not enough personnel to administer the nasal swab. There’s not enough capacity inside the labs to test in a timely manner. And there’s not enough chemicals for labs to do more than a certain number of tests per day.”“It’s a system overload at every point,” she said. “There’s not enough testing kits. There’s not enough personnel to administer the nasal swab. There’s not enough capacity inside the labs to test in a timely manner. And there’s not enough chemicals for labs to do more than a certain number of tests per day.”
Being next door to New York is a factor: The region’s labs are swamped with high-priority tests from hospitals. Tests are critical to measuring the spread of the virus and a requirement for certain forms of treatment, Rukmini said, but they continue to be hard to get, and many people are discouraged from trying.Being next door to New York is a factor: The region’s labs are swamped with high-priority tests from hospitals. Tests are critical to measuring the spread of the virus and a requirement for certain forms of treatment, Rukmini said, but they continue to be hard to get, and many people are discouraged from trying.
“I’ve covered wars all over,” she added. “These are conditions that I’m used to seeing in the developing world, not in America.”“I’ve covered wars all over,” she added. “These are conditions that I’m used to seeing in the developing world, not in America.”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus has radically altered the ways Americans are spending their money. Using data from the credit card and debit card purchases of nearly six million people, The Times tracked changes in spending across food, entertainment, travel and more.In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus has radically altered the ways Americans are spending their money. Using data from the credit card and debit card purchases of nearly six million people, The Times tracked changes in spending across food, entertainment, travel and more.
China has seen its largest uptick in new cases in over a month, fueled by Chinese citizens who returned from Russia.China has seen its largest uptick in new cases in over a month, fueled by Chinese citizens who returned from Russia.
In Britain, which has 84,279 cases and 10,612 deaths, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital on Sunday after being treated for the virus.In Britain, which has 84,279 cases and 10,612 deaths, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital on Sunday after being treated for the virus.
A Navy sailor assigned to the virus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has died. At least 585 people from the ship have been infected.A Navy sailor assigned to the virus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has died. At least 585 people from the ship have been infected.
In Russia, where the case count has climbed to 18,328, President Vladimir Putin has helped promote misinformation about the virus — part of his long war against American science, a Times investigation found.In Russia, where the case count has climbed to 18,328, President Vladimir Putin has helped promote misinformation about the virus — part of his long war against American science, a Times investigation found.
Take care of your mask. Here’s our definitive guide to making, wearing and caring for your new face mask.Take care of your mask. Here’s our definitive guide to making, wearing and caring for your new face mask.
Improve your work-from-home space. Upgrade to a great office chair or a convertible standing desk, or try these other inexpensive hacks to make working from home more comfortable.Improve your work-from-home space. Upgrade to a great office chair or a convertible standing desk, or try these other inexpensive hacks to make working from home more comfortable.
Take a yoga class at home. It’s a proven method to help reduce stress, and you can do it in as little as five minutes. Here’s a guide to getting started.Take a yoga class at home. It’s a proven method to help reduce stress, and you can do it in as little as five minutes. Here’s a guide to getting started.
Get your money back. The pandemic has scuttled many travel plans. Here’s some advice on getting travel refunds.Get your money back. The pandemic has scuttled many travel plans. Here’s some advice on getting travel refunds.
Some foreign doctors and nurses who want to help in the U.S. have been ensnared by travel restrictions and visa rules.Some foreign doctors and nurses who want to help in the U.S. have been ensnared by travel restrictions and visa rules.
For many poor Americans, practicing social distancing is a luxury they cannot afford.For many poor Americans, practicing social distancing is a luxury they cannot afford.
Millions of people across the country are risking their health by waiting in long, tense, sometimes desperate new lines in order to meet their basic needs.Millions of people across the country are risking their health by waiting in long, tense, sometimes desperate new lines in order to meet their basic needs.
After the death of Li Wenliang, the doctor in Wuhan, China, who tried to warn about the virus outbreak, people have turned to his last social media post to mourn and seek solace.After the death of Li Wenliang, the doctor in Wuhan, China, who tried to warn about the virus outbreak, people have turned to his last social media post to mourn and seek solace.
The Mossad, the Israeli spy service, has played an outsize role in acquiring the medical supplies and technology for Israel’s fight against the virus.The Mossad, the Israeli spy service, has played an outsize role in acquiring the medical supplies and technology for Israel’s fight against the virus.
Our Opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof visited the emergency departments of two hard-hit hospitals in the Bronx. Get a glimpse into the “hot zone.”Our Opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof visited the emergency departments of two hard-hit hospitals in the Bronx. Get a glimpse into the “hot zone.”
One of the first “superspreading events” of the U.S. epidemic was a conference held by a drugmaker, Biogen, in late February.One of the first “superspreading events” of the U.S. epidemic was a conference held by a drugmaker, Biogen, in late February.
I wish I could tell you that I’m going through my mother-in-law‘s recipe box, a task I’ve wanted to concentrate on for the past 10 years, but I am an occupational epidemiologist and I’ve never worked harder to keep people healthy and safe at work. As the weeks of this stressful time march on, I make sure that before I talk any science with my colleagues, we pause and pay real attention to the vastly under appreciated question: “How are you doing?”I wish I could tell you that I’m going through my mother-in-law‘s recipe box, a task I’ve wanted to concentrate on for the past 10 years, but I am an occupational epidemiologist and I’ve never worked harder to keep people healthy and safe at work. As the weeks of this stressful time march on, I make sure that before I talk any science with my colleagues, we pause and pay real attention to the vastly under appreciated question: “How are you doing?”
— Shannon Magari, Syracuse, N.Y.— Shannon Magari, Syracuse, N.Y.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.